Island Cruises

Offering Bar Harbor and Acadia-area boat tours and sailboat tours from scenic Bass Harbor.

10% Off - June, September and October only.

Based out of Bass Harbor, Island Cruises offers a quiet, relaxing introduction to the outer islands of Blue Hill Bay and Acadia. Captains Kim and Eli Strauss have run Island Cruises for over 20 years. As longtime residents of Bass Harbor, they give visitors a first-hand account of the area's unique natural beauty and rich history. Cruises take place aboard the R.L. Gott, a 40-foot "lobster"-style vessel that holds 49 passengers in both outdoor and covered seating.

Each of Island Cruises' tours take advantage of the best views of Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, haul a working lobster trap, and offer a unique coastal Maine experience:

  • The Morning Lunch Cruise. Take a guided journey through Blue Hill Bay and Frenchboro, one of Maine's few remaining island fishing villages, where you'll disembark at Lunt's Deli, eat an unforgettable lunch, and take a leisurely walk around Lunt Harbor. Time: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Late June - Early September. Cost: Adults: $35, Children (Ages 11 and under): $15, Children (Ages 2 and Under): Free

  • The Afternoon Nature Cruise. Enjoy the islands of Blue Hill Bay up close and personal. Soak in gorgeous views, learn a bit about the history of the area and the lobster fishery, and see the abundant wildlife including seals and eagles up close. Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM, Mid-June - Early October. Cost: Adults: $30, Children (Ages 11 and under): $15, Children (Ages 2 and Under): Free

  • Sailboat Tours. Soak in the natural beauty and wildlife from the Motu Iti, a beautifully maintained 6-passenger sloop. Island Cruises offers three different sailboat tours:

  • 3-Hour Tours. Sail around the islands of Blue Hill Bay and enjoy the natural beauty. Times: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Cost: $350

  • 2-Hour Sunset Tour. Enjoy the sunset over Blue Hill Bay. Times: 6:00 - 8:00 PM, depending on the time of sunset. Cost: $225

  • All-Day Expeditions with Unique Island Visit. Choose to explore either Black Island, Gott's Island, or Placentia. These trips offer plenty of time for a personal island experience almost impossible to find anywhere else. Times: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Cost: $700

Note: When you book an excursion, indicate if you would like a private trip or to keep the remaining seats open to possibly share the cost with others. Seating is limited to a maximum of 6 people.

All trips run Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays), from mid-June through early October.

Important Information Please arrive 15'20 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Passengers will be notified if a trip is cancelled due to inclement weather. Temperatures are cooler on the water, so remember to bring a jacket or sweater. Free parking is available on-site. Island Cruises is located on the Island Explorer free bus route.

Reservations are recommended and can be made using the following contact information:

Island Cruises

Website: bassharborcruises.com

Phone: (207) 244-5785

Address: 12 Little Island Way, Bass Harbor, ME 04653

Chimani Perks Discount: $10 Off - June, September and October only. Show Perks Card.